Dog Playpen Guide: Sizes, Types and Puppy Setup Tips

October 31, 2026

A dog playpen is a small fenced area that keeps your puppy safe when you cannot watch them every second. It gives them room to play, sleep and use a toilet pad, without the run of the whole house. This guide explains how to pick the right size and height, how to set the pen up, and which playpens and puppy supplies we stock.

Key takeaways

Here are the main points to remember before you buy a dog playpen. Each one is explained in more detail below, with advice from the RSPCA and Blue Cross on keeping puppies safe, happy and calm in a pen or crate at home.

• A playpen should be a safe, happy space. The RSPCA says a pen or crate must never be used as a punishment.
• Pick a pen that is taller than your dog can jump or climb. Small breeds and young puppies suit a lower pen.
• Leave room for three zones: a bed, a toilet pad and water.
• Fabric and mesh pens are light and fold flat. They suit small dogs and puppies, but not strong chewers.
• Puppy-proof the area around the pen. Keep cables, plants and cleaning products out of reach.

What is a dog playpen used for?

A dog playpen is used to keep a puppy or small dog in one safe area for short periods. The RSPCA describes the crate, playpen or puppy pen as a safe, secure area a dog can go into for short periods of time. Owners use pens for toilet training, rest time and keeping a puppy away from hazards.

A pen is bigger than a crate, so your dog can move around, play with a toy and walk to their toilet pad. That makes a playpen a good choice for young puppies, small breeds and dogs recovering from a vet visit who need to stay calm.

• Toilet training: a pad at one end helps your puppy learn where to go.
• Safe rest time: your puppy can nap without being stepped on by kids or other pets.
• Stopping chewing: the pen keeps shoes, cables and furniture out of reach.
• Visitors and busy times: the pen gives your dog a quiet place to settle.

Which dog playpen size do I need?

The right playpen size depends on your dog’s height, jumping ability and how much floor space you have. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, lie flat and walk a few steps to a toilet pad. Most importantly, the walls must be tall enough that your dog cannot jump or climb out.

Measure your dog from the floor to the top of their head while standing. Then watch how well they jump. A bouncy terrier may need a much taller pen than a calm puppy of the same size. If your dog is a strong jumper or climber, a pet gate or crate may be a safer choice.

Comparing the options side by side helps. The extra large pen’s 63.5cm walls are about 9% taller than the large pen’s 58cm panels. With its extension bar, the pet gate fits openings up to 108cm, about 35% wider than the 80cm it fits on its own.

Our dog playpens and puppy zone products

These are the playpens and gates we stock for setting up a safe puppy zone. Each product links to its own page with full details, sizes and care notes. They suit puppies and small dogs best, so check your dog’s size against each one first.

Pet Playpen Foldable – Large

The Pet Playpen Foldable – Large is a round mesh pen about 94cm across with 58cm high panels. The breathable mesh lets air flow through, and it folds flat to store or take on holidays. It can be pegged to the ground outdoors. This size suits young puppies, toy breeds and kittens.

Foldable Pet Play Pen – Extra Large

The Foldable Pet Play Pen – Extra Large measures 136cm x 136cm and is 63.5cm high. It is made of polyester and weighs about 2.5kg, roughly twice the 1.3kg large pen, but still easy to move between rooms. The extra floor space fits a bed, a toilet pad and water bowls with room left to play.

Pet Gate with Extension

If your dog is too big or bouncy for a pen, the Pet Gate with Extension can close off a laundry, hallway or kitchen instead. It is 76cm high and fits openings from 72cm to 80cm, or 100cm to 108cm with the extension bar. A small pet door, 28cm high and 32cm wide, lets a cat through while keeping a larger dog in. That door is only about 37% of the gate’s 76cm height.

Dog playpen examples for different dogs

Here are some examples to help you match a pen to your dog. A Cavoodle, Maltese or Toy Poodle puppy usually fits well in the large 94cm round pen. A Beagle, Cocker Spaniel or Staffy puppy needs more room, so the 136cm extra large pen is a better fit. A Labrador, Kelpie or Border Collie puppy grows fast and may soon jump a low pen, so a doorway gate or a crate often works better.

Dog playpen facts by the numbers

• 10 hours: the most a dog may be crated in any 24-hour period under Tasmanian law (RSPCA Tasmania).
• 1 hour: the minimum daily exercise for a tethered dog under the same Tasmanian rules (RSPCA Tasmania).
• 3 minutes: about how long the RSPCA suggests each early training session should last.
• Every few hours: how often the RSPCA says dogs need a chance to go to the toilet.
• About 42%: 10 hours is about 42% of a full day, so even the legal limit is a long time for a dog.
• About 2.6 times: the floor space of our 136cm square extra large pen compared with our 94cm round large pen.
• 3 zones: bed, water and toilet pad, the simple layout for any playpen.

Fabric, mesh or metal: which playpen type is best?

Dog playpens come in three main types: fabric or mesh, metal panel and plastic panel. Each has strengths and limits. The best type depends on your dog’s size, whether they chew, and if you need to move or pack the pen often.

Fabric and mesh pens are great for puppies and small dogs. If your dog chews, always supervise them in a fabric pen and give them a safe chew toy instead.

How do I set up a dog playpen?

Set up the playpen in a quiet spot near where your family spends time, away from direct sun and draughts. Put a soft bed at one end, a toilet pad at the other, and fresh water in between. This simple layout helps your puppy learn where to sleep and where to toilet.

1. Bed: add a comfy bed or a fleece blanket. Our dog blanket guide explains sizes.
2. Toilet area: use puppy training pads or a washable pet potty mat at the far end from the bed.
3. Water: use a heavy or clip-on bowl so it cannot be tipped over.
4. Toys: add one or two safe chew toys to keep your puppy busy.

Add some comfortable soft bedding for your dog to lie on. Place some interesting, safe, chew toys inside.

RSPCA, How to crate train a puppy

The RSPCA says dogs need a comfortable, dry, draught-free and quiet place to rest. They also need regular chances to go to the toilet, at least every few hours. A playpen makes both of these easier to manage.

Which puppy pads fit in a playpen?

Choose puppy pads that cover the toilet end of the pen without spreading into the bed area. Smaller pads suit the large round pen, while bigger pads suit the extra large pen. Change pads often so your puppy keeps using them.

• Puppy Training Pad 20 Pack: 60cm x 60cm, a good starter pack.
• Puppy Training Pad 100 Pack: 56cm x 56cm, for longer toilet training.
• 200 Pack Puppy Training Pads: 56cm x 56cm, a bulk option for busy homes.
• 50 Pack Puppy Pads – Medium: 90cm x 60cm with multi-layer protection.
• Pet Potty Mat: 43cm x 68cm, washable, for small dogs up to 7kg.

The 90cm x 60cm medium pads cover 50% more floor than the 60cm x 60cm pads, so they suit the extra large pen. The 200 pack holds 10 times as many pads as the 20 pack, which means fewer reorders during toilet training.

See all dog training products for more toilet training supplies.

Can I use a dog playpen outside?

Yes, many playpens can be used outside for short, supervised periods. Both of our foldable pens can be secured to the ground outdoors. Always place the pen in full shade, give plenty of fresh water and bring your dog inside when it gets hot or wet.

Puppy-proof the outdoor area too. Blue Cross warns that toxic plants should be fenced off or removed, and slug pellets and weed killer locked away. Puppies love to dig and climb, so check the pen is pegged down well.

How long can a puppy stay in a playpen?

A puppy should only stay in a playpen for short periods, and never as a punishment. Puppies need toilet breaks, play and company. The RSPCA suggests building up time slowly with short sessions, and going back a step if your dog whines, pants or barks.

Some states have rules on confining dogs. For example, in Tasmania the RSPCA Tasmania guidance on dog regulations says a crated dog must not be confined for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period. Shorter is always better, especially for young puppies.

Never leave a puppy unattended in a room with live wires to appliances.

Blue Cross, How to puppy proof your home and garden

How do I get my puppy to like the playpen?

Make the playpen a happy place by linking it with good things. Start with the gate open and toss treats inside. Feed meals in the pen. Our puppy food guide explains how many meals a day a young puppy needs. Close the gate for a few seconds at first, then slowly build up the time while your puppy is calm and relaxed.

• Keep the first sessions short, about a few minutes.
• Give a chew toy or treat each time your puppy goes in.
• Stay close by at first so your puppy feels safe.
• Let your puppy out when they are calm, not while they are crying.

Setting up for a new puppy? Our pet supplies checklist lists everything else you need. You can also try our pet subscription box to get treats and toys delivered regularly.

Dog playpen FAQ: specific questions about dog playpens

These are common questions owners ask before they buy a dog playpen. The answers are short and simple. Follow the links above for more detail on sizes, set up and training.

Is a playpen better than a crate for a puppy?

A playpen gives a puppy more room to move and space for a toilet pad, so it suits longer stretches at home. A crate is smaller and suits sleep and travel. Many owners use both, with the crate placed inside or next to the playpen.

How tall should a dog playpen be?

A dog playpen should be taller than your dog can jump or climb. Our pens have 58cm and 63.5cm high walls, which suit young puppies and small breeds. Strong jumpers need a taller pen, a gate across a doorway, or a crate.

Can a dog chew through a fabric playpen?

Yes, a determined dog can chew or scratch through fabric and mesh. Only use fabric pens with supervision for dogs that chew. Give them safe chew toys and check the pen often for damage.

Where should I put a dog playpen?

Put the playpen in a quiet spot near where your family spends time. Keep it out of direct sun and draughts, and away from cables, plants and cleaning products. Your puppy will feel safer if they can still see you.

References

The advice in this dog playpen guide comes from the animal welfare sources listed here. Product sizes come from each product page on our site. Always ask your vet if you have concerns about your dog’s health or behaviour.

• RSPCA, How to crate train a puppy
• RSPCA, Creating a good home for your dog
• RSPCA, Caring for your puppy
• Blue Cross, How to puppy proof your home and garden
• RSPCA Tasmania, Dog regulations guidance notes for tethering and crating

Dr Jay Rollings BSc DVM

Veterinarian – Dr Jay Rollings is a skilled veterinarian with 12 years experience in wildlife research and conservation

During veterinary school, he contributed to projects involving species such as hammerhead sharks, Shark Bay mice, woylies, mulgara, and kangaroos, gaining valuable hands-on experience in wildlife health and preservation.